Today marks the first day of the seventh annual LGBT History Month.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month was initiated in 2005 by Schools Out (an organisation that campaigns against LGBT discrimination in education) in the wake of the abolition of Section 28, the Tory amendment that prevented the “promotion of homosexuality in schools” for 15 years. In reality the amendment created the invisibility of LGBT people within schools and created an environment where homophobia, biphobia and transphobia were allowed to run rampant.

Too often LGBT people in the past have been rendered invisible – literally written out of history. However, the purpose of LGBT History Month is not only to remember and commemorate the achievements and impact of LGBT people throughout history, but also to create a future for LGBT people where discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity does not exist.

Some people will tell you that LGBT discrimination no longer exists; that legislation has now ensured equality. This is untrue. Homophobic attacks are on the increase. Transphobia is still rife and unashamedly obvious within education, our workplaces and society. Fascists like the British National Party and the English Defence League are still spewing prejudice and hate through their elections and rampages through the streets.

The journalist Melanie Phillips recently spoke out in the Daily Mail about the “gay agenda” and how activities within schools to create LGBT-inclusive environments (including the teaching of LGBT History Month) are “an abuse of childhood”. She stated that “some are more equal than others… the obsession with equality has now reached ludicrous, as well as oppressive, proportions”. To paint LGBT people as the oppressors in this situation is farcical and should not be tolerated by anyone within society; students or otherwise.

LGBT History Month is a chance to counter the vitriol of bigots like Melanie Phillips and to campaign for an end to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Student Broad Left is proud to support LGBT History Month and throughout February we will be publishing articles from LGBT students and activists on the hottest topics currently facing the LGBT community. If you are interested in getting involved in our LGBT History Month activities or writing an article for us, please get in touch – info@studentbroadleft.org.uk

Have a fantastic LGBT History Month!

For more information:

Have a look at the official LGBT History Month website, which includes a comprehensive calendar of events occurring across the UK throughout the month.

Get in contact with the NUS LGBT Campaign; either by visiting their website or emailing lgbt@nus.org.uk